10 Best Colognes for Men and Women in the USA You Must Try!
Written by: Anusha Sree Kakara.
Fragrances come in many forms - perfumes, colognes, perfume oils, et.al. Though the term ‘Cologne for men’ has been around for centuries, the relatively new term - ‘Cologne for women’ is also gaining popularity these days. Although it’s not rocket science to understand and choose a good cologne, we only want the best for you and have curated a list of the Best colognes for men and women in the USA. Before jumping into it though, let us look at ‘cologne’ in a different light.
What the hype is all about?
Cologne is a type of fragrance that has 3% to 8% of perfume in alcohol. While some people prefer fragrances with higher concentrations, cologne is a popular choice of fragrance, and that is because the low concentration aid in a milder perfume and lasts only up to 4 to 6 hours. Though it was a preferred choice of fragrance for men for many decades, nowadays cologne is referred to as a ‘low concentrated unisex perfume with light and refreshing notes. Now that it is established that a fragrance has no gender, women are also enjoying the energetic spritz of a variety of colognes.
A Short History of Colognes
Perfumes have been around since the beginning of early civilization. With the records of the first fragrance made in Babylonian Mesopotamia in 1200BC by Tapputi-Belatekallim, we now know that the fragrance of perfumes and incense filled every part of the history in one way or the other.
Initially, perfumes were only confined to temples, made for the pleasure of their gods and goddesses, but gradually became something only the royals and aristocrats could afford. By the 18th century, everyone had access to a variety of perfumes and mass production of perfumes began.
The first cologne was created by an Italian barber named Giovanni Maria Farina in the city of Köln in Germany, whose french pronunciation is similar to cologne and hence it became synonymous with the perfume he created, although he named it Aqua Admirabilis. As a Cologne for men, it was made using grape alcohol, musk, rosemary, lavender, bergamot, and neroli oil, and was ‘admired’ by everyone including the world-renowned perfume enthusiast - Napoleon Bonaparte, who doused himself with a bottle of Farina’s Aqua Admirabilis every day. It is one of the oldest cologne still in production.
Inspired by Giovanni’s delightful invention, many perfumers “recreated” cologne, and the end of the 18th century came with a new beginning in the world of perfumery. Men were also interested in wearing a special fragrance unlike before when the only fragrance they had was that of their grooming products like aftershave or soap. The creation of synthetic fragrances also aided in the increase in the production of colognes on a large scale. The fragrance of cologne spread from Europe to all around the world and many designer houses created the Best colognes for men and women in the USA. Thus, the 19th century became a turning point in the history of perfume creation.
Cologne for Men
When it was released, the subtleness of the cologne made it appealing to men, and even to this day is exclusively considered men’s perfume. With a wide variety of refreshing fragrance notes, colognes have been the fragrance for men before the use of fragrances changed from something to mask your body’s scent to something that enhances it and as a way of self-expression. Although there is a variety of Eau de Parfums and Eau de Toilettes available to men, colognes are still synonymous with men’s perfumes.
Cologne for Women
Women and cologne are not the words we see together often and most women’s perfumes are marketed as Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette. But we are witnessing a change in the preferences of fragrances among both genders. Women love the light and refreshing notes of the cologne for its mild fragrance and the moderate sillage it emits during its short span. Colognes are also perfect for layering fragrances as they blend with other fragrances perfectly. Colognes makes a good evening fragrance for women because the drydown transitions perfectly into a mild scent for the night leaving you with a tantalizing experience.
The Best Colognes for Men and Women in the USA
Aristocrat Cologne
Aristocrat Cologne by Ajmal Perfumes is an interesting Eau de Cologne with refreshing notes of citrus and aqua, sensual accords of lily, jasmine, and musk, and heady notes of wood. This cologne is a modern take on oriental fragrances that have been around since the beginning of perfume-making. Aristocrat Cologne topped our list because it is the best-selling Ajmal cologne for men and women. If you are looking for something classy and can simultaneously exude a subtle naughtiness, this perfume is perfect for you.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Bergamot, Watermelon, and Lime
Middle notes - Jasmine, Lily, and Musk
Base notes - Oud, Patchouli, Musk, Amber, and Cedar
Oath Cologne
Oath cologne embodies a chivalrous gentleman with its fruity and woody notes. Fruity accords of Citrus, Plum, Melon, Blackcurrant, and Apple make the cologne light and fresh while the woody and mossy elements add depth to the fragrance. Fruity scents evoke feelings of warmth and affection and are known to make the wearer seem approachable and friendly. Woody fragrances are so adaptable that you don’t ever have to worry about how you are going to smell if you have some on you!
There is so much more to a fragrance than just the scent and understanding these perfume families and the emotions they evoke will help you up your perfume game without any effort.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Bergamot, Watermelon, Lemon, Plum, Apple, Melon, and Blackcurrant.
Middle notes - Jasmine, Iris, Geranium, and Musk
Base notes - Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk, Amber, Tree Moss, and Cedarwood
Blu Cologne
Blu Cologne is an adventurous perfume with oceanic vibes. Blu is one of the best colognes for men and women in the USA, let's lead with that. It is one of the best-selling colognes by Ajmal Perfumes and is loved by both men and women for its refreshing and energetic scent.
This Cologne has a familiar fragrance of aquatic notes like ambergris and lotus flower and these notes are layered with vibrant fragrances that take you back to the fun times of summer. With accords of Watermelon, Lotus, Bergamot, Sandalwood, and a touch of herbal notes, it is like carrying the best of summery fragrances in a bottle. Simply put, it is an enticing Ajmal cologne for men and women!
Top notes - Lavender, Watermelon, and Bergamot
Middle notes - Jasmine, Lavender, and Lotus
Base notes - Musk, Sandalwood, and Amber
Mystery Cologne
As its name suggests, Mystery Cologne for men is an intense and mysterious fragrance by Ajmal Perfumes. A unique fragrance for men with an eclectic taste in perfumes, It has everything a good chypre fragrance should have. Bergamot fragrance notes open with a pleasant aroma of citrusy goodness and the earthiness of Patchouli reminds you of a walk through the evergreen foliage. The mystery here is the elusive spiciness of Thyme that blends perfectly with Jasmine’s floral expression to elevate the cologne altogether for a green and enigmatic experience. To understand the secret of its fragrance, you must simply experience it!
Fragrance notes
Citrus, Thyme, Patchouli, Jasmine, and Cedarwood
Aqua Cologne
Aqua Cologne has an invigorating scent - just like the cool ocean breeze and crashing waves that you feel on a wonderful summer adventure by the beach. That is it, that's the fragrance of Aqua and there is no better way than this to explain its charms. Aqua Cologne with its refreshing fruity, floral and aquatic notes, is one of the best colognes for men and women in the USA. The woody aspect of the cologne ‘miraculously’ elevates the essence of Citrus and Galbanum. Don’t forget to look for the subtle musk of the Ambergris notes. This one is a good example of the versatility of cologne as compared to Eaux de Parfum, Eaux de Toilette, and Parfums, as this ‘men’s cologne’ can easily be masqueraded as a women’s fragrance.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Lavender, Bergamot, and Geranium
Middle notes - Galbanum and pepper
Base notes - Musk, Vetiver, Ambergris, and Patchouli.
Goldman Cologne
The citrusy and spicy notes of Goldman Cologne for men offer an inspiring fragrance for men who are all about the style. It is trendy without being aggressively “in your face” and yet it is classy in its own way. The citrus elements like Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, and Orange perfectly layer the spice and sweetness of Cardamom and Cinnamon for that wonderful olfactory sensation. It is warm, it is fresh and it is suitable for all age groups. There is no other perfume that brings out the best expression of citrus fragrance notes like Goldman Cologne by Ajmal Perfumes.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Mandarin orange and Bergamot
Middle notes - Lemon and Orange
Base notes - Cardamom and Cinnamon
Dame Perfume
Dame Cologne is an exquisite Eau de Cologne created with an amalgamation of vibrant and elegant fragrances of citrus, floral and musky accords. An interesting chypre fragrance and one of the best colognes for men and women in the USA.
Dame cologne trails your skin like expensive satin and lace to give you that sense of graceful authority. It is simply expressed as its name. Dame is a popular choice of fragrance for women and men who adore Chypre perfumes and the freshness they carry. Just a spritz is enough to uplift your spirits and of those around you.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Lavender, Bergamot, and Geranium
Middle notes - Galbanum and pepper
Base notes - Musk, Vetiver, Ambergris, and Patchouli.
Solace Spray
Solace Spray is yet another chypre fragrance that works perfectly on a casual day. This is an Ajmal cologne for men and women which has a long-lasting fragrance that creates a fresh summery vibe all around you. The perfume itself has a fresh citrus top note but the best part is the fragrance expression it creates after blending with your body’s natural scent. This enduring fragrance is a crowd-favorite cologne from the designer house of Ajmal.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Citrus notes
Middle notes - Geranium and Lavender
Base notes - Cedarwood, Amber, and Musk
Raindrops for Women
A hidden gem in the women’s perfume collection by Ajmal Perfumes. This perfume smells exactly like its name with fresh notes that feel like a mysterious transparent aroma. This unique perfume is made with floral elements that are expressed beautifully with a generous sillage. Fruity notes of Raindrops remain on your skin as long as the perfume lasts. Oudh in Raindrops feels like a creamy and velvety opulence that perfectly blends with the freshness of its top and middle fragrance notes. A word of caution though, only buy Raindrops if you want people around you to absolutely fall in love with you! It is ‘the perfect’ cologne for women.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Sensual animalistic notes with white floral notes.
Middle notes - Fruity notes
Base notes - Woody and Musky notes.
Evoke for Her
Evoke series is a brilliant fragrance line by Ajmal Perfumes. Evoke for her is a sophisticated and elegant women’s cologne specially created to resonate with the modern women of this world. It is the best daytime perfume that is perfect for any casual interactions, work-related meetings, or a fun day out with your family. Evoke keeps you fresh and confident all day with its long-lasting fragrance notes that stay with you.
It has a moderate sillage but those who can smell it on you will revel in the wonderful fragrance it continuously exudes. Evoke series also offers other best colognes for men and women in the USA.
Fragrance notes
Top notes - Bergamot and Pink pepper
Middle notes - Rose, Jasmine, and Orris
Base notes - Vanilla, Moss, and Patchouli
We hope you enjoyed going through the list of a few of our favorite Ajmal cologne for men and women. For more information about these fragrances, visit our website. You might also like to take a look at our collection of the best colognes for men and women in the USA.